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Key points
- Viral internet phenomena, like Moo Deng the pygmy hippo, bring joy and alleviate stress during tough times.
- Humor and viral content foster social connections, even when they are shared virtually.
- Watching funny videos lights up our brain’s reward system, making us feel happy.
- Viral animals can raise awareness about conservation and spark meaningful discussions.
Are you obsessed with a certain viral baby hippo? You're not alone—I mean, who can resist those big eyes and chunky little legs? It’s no wonder we’re all flocking to Moo Deng, the internet’s stress-busting hippo. This little gal has become everyone’s emotional support animal.
Let’s face it: Life has been stressful lately, to say the least. We want anything to make us smile with all that’s going on. Enter Moo Deng, the adorable baby pygmy hippo from Thailand.
Moo Deng's playful antics have taken the internet by storm, becoming a viral sensation and melting hearts worldwide. Even "Saturday Night Live" got in on the fun, with Colin Jost interviewing Moo Deng during his “Weekend Update” segment (you can check it out here). It seems we all could use a dose of feel-good content these days—and what better than a baby hippo?
But beyond the social media memes, there’s some real psychology behind why Moo Deng, and humor in general, resonates so deeply with us. Whether through viral animal videos, a witty one-liner on SNL, or even just a funny meme sent by a friend, humor is critical in connecting with others and managing stress.
So, what’s happening in our brains when we laugh at a baby hippo or share a joke online? Let’s dive into the science behind humor, social relationships, and why we’re drawn to content like this.
Why Humor is Essential for Social Connection
Developmental psychologists have been setting the role of humor in social relationships for a long time. Humor is one of the most powerful tools we have for connecting with others. Laughter acts as a social glue, helping build bonds, ease tensions, and create a shared experience.
Evolutionarily, humor likely developed as a means for early humans to navigate their complex social environments and increase their chances of survival (Gervais & Wilson, 2005). Think of it like this: If two people laugh together, they’re more likely to cooperate and trust each other.
Today, this may play out differently—often through viral content. With the rise of social media, we’ve entered a new era of connection. Even though we are still physically interacting with others, we’re also engaging in what psychologists call “parasocial relationships”—one-sided relationships where viewers form emotional bonds with people (or, in this case, hippos) they see online or elsewhere in the media (Horton & Wohl, 1956). These relationships can feel incredibly real, even though they’re entirely virtual.
Moo Deng’s rise to fame can be seen as an example of how parasocial relationships form via mass communication. Just as we do when we observe celebrities or influencers, people bond over shared experiences of watching this hippo. It becomes a shared source of joy, creating a communal experience without ever leaving the confines of your screen.
The Cognitive and Emotional Benefits of Humor
Humor isn’t just about making us feel connected; it also has some serious cognitive and emotional benefits. From a developmental psychology perspective, humor plays a critical role in helping children navigate the complexities of social life. Playful teasing and jokes allow us to learn social norms, express individuality, and bond with peers (Martin, 2007). But this isn’t something we grow out of as we get older—humor is vital to connecting with others and managing our emotions throughout life.
Research shows that humor can act as a powerful coping mechanism during difficult times, providing a mental escape and allowing us to distance ourselves (if only briefly) from our challenges. Viral content like Moo Deng’s videos can thus serve as a little psychological vacation—a moment to laugh, smile, and momentarily forget the heavier aspects of life.
Moo Deng and the Power of Viral Content
Moo Deng’s story is perhaps even more interesting because it ties directly into larger conversations about conservation and the environment. Moo Deng was born at a zoo in Thailand, where efforts are underway to raise awareness of the endangered pygmy hippo species.
While the viral videos are light and fun, they also have the potential to spark deeper conversations about conservation, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship. In this way, viral content can serve a dual purpose—it provides much-needed entertainment while educating and inspiring action on important global issues.
Humor plays a key role in this process, making important information more accessible and engaging. When we laugh, we’re more open to new ideas and more willing to engage with content that might otherwise feel heavy or distant. This is one of the reasons why comedians like Colin Jost often use humor to talk about serious issues on SNL’s “Weekend Update”—laughter breaks down barriers and makes difficult conversations a little easier.
The Science of Why We Love Funny Animal Videos
It’s no secret that funny animal videos have viral capabilities. But why exactly do we love them so much?
The answer lies in a branch of psychology known as incognito science—or, more simply, the unconscious processes that drive our behavior. When we watch a funny video, our brain’s reward system lights up with dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction (Mobbs et al., 2003). In short, watching Moo Deng frolic in the water could give our brains a quick hit of happiness that we’re eager to share with others.
This is part of why certain videos spread so quickly across social media. When we encounter something that makes us feel good, we want to share that feeling with our friends, creating a ripple effect of positivity. And in a world where bad news seems to dominate our feeds, these moments of joy are more important than ever.
Finding Humor in Everyday Life
Ultimately, Moo Deng’s viral fame is more than just a passing internet trend—it’s a reminder of the power of humor and the importance of shared experiences. Whether through a baby hippo video, a witty SNL skit, or a funny meme, humor brings us together, strengthens our relationships, and gives us the emotional boost we all need.
So the next time you find yourself scrolling through your feed and stumble upon an adorable clip of Moo Deng, don’t just enjoy it—share it. In today’s world, we can all use a little more laughter and connection.
References
Dunbar, R. I., Baron, R., Frangou, A., Pearce, E., Van Leeuwen, E. J., Stow, J., ... & Van Vugt, M. (2012). Social laughter is correlated with an elevated pain threshold. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 279(1731), 1161-1167.
Gervais, M., & Wilson, D. S. (2005). The evolution and functions of laughter and humor: A synthetic approach. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 80(4), 395-430.
Horton, D., & Wohl, R. R. (1956). Mass communication and parasocial interaction: Observations on intimacy at a distance. Psychiatry, 19(3), 215-229.
Martin, R. A. (2007). The psychology of humor: An integrative approach. Academic Press.
Mobbs, D., Greicius, M. D., Abdel-Azim, E., Menon, V., & Reiss, A. L. (2003). Humor modulates the mesolimbic reward centers. Neuron, 40(5), 1041-1048.
